Wednesday, December 19, 2012

I’ve always wondered why Cumberland sauce wasn’t more
popular around the holidays. It’s such a delicious and versatile condiment, and
just as easy and fast to make as any cranberry sauce out there. Maybe it’s the name?

Cumberland sauce sounds more like something that the Queen
would be spooning over a Quail en Croute than it does Uncle Charlie over a
slice of ham. However, despite this sassy sauce’s upper-crusty sounding name,
it’s actually quite rustic.

My “Black Cumberland” version uses black currants instead of
the traditional red, and also includes some very browned-blackened onions, but
like all similar recipes, this begs for even further adaptation depending on
the meat. Maybe a little mint for lamb, or a touch of cardamom for that smoked
duck breast?

Notwithstanding any flavor variations, you will still need
to decide whether to serve hot or not. I definitely prefer the thick, shiny
cooled-down version as shown, but happily, there’s no wrong choice. I hope you
give this extra special holiday sauce a try soon. Enjoy!